Date: 04/12/2006
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB06-1251
COMMITTEE ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
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08:14 AM -- Conference Committee on House Bill 06-1251
Representative Green called the meeting to order and distributed CLHB 1251.002 (Attachment A). Senator Tochtrop explained that since the Senate did not receive permission to go beyond the scope of differences, the committee could not vote on the conference committee report proposed by Representative Green. However, the committee decided to discuss the proposed conference committee report and meet again at another time to vote.
Representative Green walked through the changes proposed in CLHB 1251.002. She began with the provision that would clarify that "goods and services" are any goods and services "upon which a person's life depends." There was discussion about changing that provision because some of the members felt it is too vague. Representative T. Carroll stated that the bill should be more narrow in scope than the Senate version.
08:21 AM
Representative Green talked about changing the definition of goods and services to include "that one's life depends on." Representative T. Carroll discussed the floor debate in the House and how the meaning of "goods and services upon which a person's life depends" can vary in interpretation. A discussion ensued about how to change the definition for goods and services to include life necessities.
08:28 AM
There was committee discussion about the provision in the bill that addresses when the price of a good is unreasonable and unconscionable. The committee talked about whether it should be based on the sellers profit margin immediately prior to the declaration of an emergency or thirty days prior. Representative Green stated that she talked with Representative Larson, who has worked with selling gas, about gas prices and how much they fluctuate. She stated that Representative Larson had told her there needs to be at least 30 days to sufficiently address the issue. Senator Tochtrop suggested that the members speak with oil and gas industry representatives prior to the next meeting.
08:39 AM
The committee moved on to discuss how the fine imposed in the bill would impact small mom and pop shops. The committee decided to keep the bill as it is because it gives the court discretion to decide how much a violator has to pay in fines based on the circumstances and that should protect the mom and pop shops from being put out of business due to a huge fine.
08:44 AM
The committee discussed the last provision of the proposed committee report that deals with the scope of the bill. The committee agreed to add that the section will not apply to any utilities that are already subject to regulation. This would eliminate the double regulation of these utilities.
08:49 AM
The committee talked about meeting next week either Tuesday or Wednesday. The committee adjourned.